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Guernsey firm, Rihoy & Son has invested in the construction of seven pre-schools Kenya, through its own charity The Ellen Jane Rihoy Trust (EJRT).
With young children walking 10 km each day to reach classrooms in many areas of Kenya, the EJRT wanted to provide a safe and conducive learning environment closer to their homes.
Seven schools will have pre-school classrooms built on the side of them.
By Guernsey standards they will be very simple structures, but they will feature innovative designs such as rain capturing roof and tanks, to help provide fresh clean water for the school pupils and others.
The work is being supported by the States of Guernsey Overseas Aid & Development Commission (GOADC) which has donated £55,000.
Deputy Chris Blin, President of the GOADC, said these pre-school classrooms will provide safe learning spaces for hundreds of children.
Pictured: Preschools in Kenya are simple structures but the ones planned include rain water collection devices to help provide clean drinking water too.
"Guernsey has a duty to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate worldwide. We recognised that a grant of £55,000 would help Guernsey-based Charity the EJRT to have a significant positive impact on seven school communities, so it was pleased to support this project," said Deputy Blin.
Deputy Blin also emphasised that the project met the stringent requirements set out by the GOADC.
"The Charity is well known to us as we have supported some of their previous projects. EJRT is chaired by Dr Liz Rihoy, a political scientist specialising in the politics and governance of conservation and community development in Africa. With her four decades of experience on the continent, she understands the local dynamics and collaborates closely with grassroots communities. Moreover, the project is entirely volunteer-driven, ensuring that every penny donated directly contributes to its realisation, bypassing administrative overheads.”
As Rihoy & Son nears its 100th year in business in Guernsey, Dr Liz Rihoy from the EJRT said this project will have a real impact on those who need it.
“Through the generosity of Rihoy & Son and the GOADC we will make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children. The establishment of these preschools not only paves the way for a brighter future through education but also ensures the safety and well-being of Kenya's youngest citizens.”
Dr Rihoy, and her brothers Gavin and Jeremy are the children of Ellen Jane Rihoy, after who the Trust was formed and named.
Jeremy and Gavin Rihoy are third generation Rihoy’s working for the privately owned family company.
Pictured top: Current preschools in Laikipia, Kenya.
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